On the hottest day of the year so far fifteen members enjoyed a bird-filled walk at Pulborough Brooks. While late season warblers were thin on the ground we had some fine raptor displays and good wader sightings.

We started with a Willow Warbler at the Visitor Centre viewing platform followed by a Wren and a Stonechat with White Stork, Little Egret and Mute Swan visible on the mid-brooks. From West Mead we had close up views of a Wood Sandpiper and Lapwing while a Hobby entertained us with its aerial prowess. Buzzard and Marsh Harrier were also present. Greylag and Canada Geese were added to the list together with Grey Heron. At Winpenny Hide we saw a very distant Kestrel and had flight views of the White Stork and closer views of a juvenile/female Marsh Harrier. A Red Kite was also spotted. We moved on to the Hangar View and from there to the shade of Nettly’s where we added Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Moorhen and Black-tailed Godwit to the list. Two Ruffs were also present as were Starlings. In the course of the morning a Chiffchaff was heard but not seen while Robins put in an appearance. Additionally Dunnocks, Jackdaws, Magpies, Wood Pigeons were seen while a Blackbird and Stock Dove became the final sightings.